Wind Power Courses

The US Department of Energy's Wind Program works with industry partners to increase the performance and reliability of next-generation wind technologies, while lowering the cost of wind energy. Research efforts have helped to increase the average capacity factor (a measure of wind power plant productivity) from 20% for wind turbines installed before the year 1999 to an average of almost 35% today. At the same time, wind energy costs have been reduced from over 55 cents (in current US dollars) per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 1985, down to an average of 2.4 cents in the US today.

To ensure future industry growth, the wind power must continue to evolve, building on earlier turbine technology successes to further improve reliability, increase capacity factors, and reduce costs. The newest inventions coming out of the DOE Wind Program can also be found on the Energy Innovation Portal, from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Modern wind turbines are increasingly cost-effective and more reliable, and have scaled up in size to multi-megawatt power ratings. The average turbine generating capacity has also increased, with turbines installed in 2015 averaging almost 2MW of capacity. Wind program research has helped facilitate this transition, through the development of longer, lighter rotor blades, taller towers, and more reliable drivetrains. Further, improved turbine performance has led to a more robust domestic wind industry.

Knight and Carver's Wind Blade Division in National City, CA, works with researchers at the DOE Sandia National Laboratories to develop an innovative wind turbine blade that has led to an increase in energy capture of nearly 15%. The most distinctive characteristic of the Sweep Twist Adaptive Rotor (STAR) blade is a gently curved tip, which is specially designed to take maximum advantage of all wind speeds, including slower speeds. The Wind Technologies Market Report finds that wind energy prices are at an all-time low and are competitive with wholesale power prices and traditional power sources across many areas of the United States.

Free Engineering Classes Online

The field of power engineering deals with the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. These include transformers, electric generators, electric motors, high voltage engineering, and power electronics. Electrical engineers maintain an electrical network called the power grid, that connects a variety of generators using high-voltage transmission lines. Signal processing relates to the analysis and manipulation of signals. Signals can be either analog, in which case the signal varies continuously, or digital, where the signal varies according to a series of discrete values. Control engineering applications range from flight systems of commercial airplanes to industrial automation. Where there is regular feedback, control theory can be used to determine how the system responds.

Building Technology aims at providing a fundamental understanding of the physics related to building design and placement, in order to offer the occupants physical, functional, and psychological benefits.

Urban Planning, with an emphasis on the evolving structure of cities, and the way that cities, suburbs, and metropolitan areas can be re-designed and systematically developed.

Structural Design for buildings and bridges, from Gothic cathedrals to long-span suspension bridges.

Engineering & Computer Jobs

The Fundamentals of Engineering exam should be taken immediately after earning a bachelors degree from an ABET-accredited program. Engineers who pass this exam are called engineers in training (EIT), or engineer interns. After meeting work experience requirements, engineer interns can attempt a second certifying exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam. Thereafter, acquisition of a professional engineering license enables management of junior engineers, the ability to sign off on engineering projects, and provide services directly to the public.

This website is not affiliated with any educational institution, and all trademarks are exclusive property of the respective owners. College Inspector is the work of a group of Thai students in Bangkok, using info from the US Department of Education, Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). If any stats are incorrect, please contact us with the right data.